to direct the proceedings of the Dominicans, who had seized the
temptress. Then it came to light that 'beautiful Susel' had bewitched
the luckless young count and robbed him of reason by her wicked arts.

"The old woman, whom they had also examined, escaped her just punishment
because she died of the plague, which was raging here at that time, but
'beautiful Susel' was burned, and I looked on while it was done.

"When the Dominicans had led her to the stake, she turned toward the
people who had flocked here from all quarters. Many doubtless pitied her
on account of her marvellous beauty, and because the devil had given her
the mask of the most touching kindness of heart; but she gazed directly
into my face with her large, blue eyes as I stood close by, and for years
I saw the witch's look distinctly before me. Yet what do we not at last
forget? And now it must happen that what reminded me of her again is my
own innocent child! Wawerl just looked into my eyes as if 'beautiful
Susel' had risen from her grave. It was not long, yet it seemed as if
she shrank in terror from me, her own clear father. She gazed up at me
in helpless despair, as if she feared God and the world.

"I have learned little about shivering, but a chill ran down my spine.
Of course, I did not let her notice anything. Poor child! after the
honour bestowed yesterday, I thought there would be nothing to-day except
laughter and loud singing. But my grandmother used to say that the grief
which tortures a young girl--she herself knows not why--is the hardest
to bear, and then Barbara must now make up her mind about marriage, for,
besides you, there are Peter Schlumperger and young Crafft to be
considered.

"I remembered all this, and so, as usual, I took her face between my